How to remove an irremovable application on Xiaomi: system programs, MIUI-bloat and viruses

Are you trying to make room on Xiaomi, but some apps stubbornly do not want to be removed? System utilities like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps do not have a “Delete” button, and third-party programs give out an error “Delete is impossible”? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones on MIUI – the Xiaomi proprietary shell blocks the uninstallation of preinstalled applications, even if you do not need them.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to remove any application on Xiaomi, from standard methods through settings to advanced techniques using ADB and root rights. You will learn how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI, what to do with system programs, and what risks radical methods carry. And if the application is not deleted due to a virus or failure, you will find a solution for this situation.

Why Xiaomi apps aren’t removed: 3 main reasons

Before we get to the instructions, it’s important to understand why Xiaomi is blocking the removal of certain programs.

• 🔒 System applications MIUI — These are programs that are integrated into the shell (e.g., Security, Themes, Mi Video) and are considered critical to the operation of the system. MIUI hides the removal button.
• 📦 Pre-installed bloatver – advertising and affiliate applications (for example, Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn in some regions). Xiaomi contracts with developers, so does not allow them to be removed.
• 🛡️ Protection against user errors — MIUI Blocks the removal of programs that may disrupt the stability of the system (for example, Google Play Services or Mi Account).

Interestingly, even if an application seems unnecessary (e.g. Mi Pay in a country where the service doesn’t work), the system still protects it, which is due to the versatility of the firmware — the same version of MIUI is distributed worldwide, and regional features are only considered at the update level.

Method 1: Disable the application through settings (without deleting)

If you just need to make room and hide an unnecessary program, but you don't have to delete it completely, you can turn off the application, which works for most system utilities and doesn't require any additional tools.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want in the list (use search if it’s not in the visible area).
3. Slip it and select “Disable”** (the button may be gray if the application is critical).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

✅ Pros of the method: safe, does not require administrator rights, reversible (can be turned back on).

❌ Cons: the application remains in memory, takes up space (albeit less), some processes can continue to work in the background.

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Disabled apps are not updated via Google Play, which saves traffic and space on the device.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If you don't want to turn off or root access, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to remove even system applications, but requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC

ADB Tools

Official tools from Google

Open the command line.

adb.exe

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'app' name'

(Replace the name of the app with a part of the name, for example miui.browser for Mi Browser.)

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet

(For example, adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser.)

Important: This method removes the application only for the current user (flag) --user 0), After the reset, it can return.

Method 3: Using root rights to remove completely

If you're willing to take drastic measures, root access will allow you to remove any application, including those critical to MIUI.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not provide support for root devices.
• ⚠️ Security breach – some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may stop working.
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” – Deleting important system files can make your phone inoperable.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Get root access using Magisk or SuperSU (instructions depend on the Xiaomi model).
2. Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (there are stored system applications).
4. Find the folder with the name of the application being removed (such as MiBrowser) and delete it.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Before removing system applications, make a backup copy through TWRP Some programs (e.g. com.android.phone) are critical to the phone's performance!

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (for power users)

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to manage system files without full firmware. The method is suitable if you already have TWRP installed (for example, after unlocking the bootloader).

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (usually by clamping Power + Volume up).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /system/app or /data/app (depending on the type of application).
4. Find a folder with the name of the package (e.g. com.miui.browser-1) and delete it.
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System.

Method 5: Removing viruses and suspicious applications

If an application is not removed because it is infected with a virus or has administrator rights, standard methods will not work.

1. Check Administrator Permits: Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Device Administrator Permits. Uncheck the suspicious app.
2. Use an antivirus like Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light, which can detect and remove malware.
3. Remove via Safe Mode: Press the power button and hold the power off until the prompt to go to Safe Mode appears.In Safe Mode, try uninstalling the app in the standard way.
4. Reset settings (extreme): Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset. Select Reset all settings (no data on the memory card affected).

⚠️ Warning: If the virus has blocked access to settings, try rolling back updates via Settings → Annexes → ⋮ → Reset application preferences. This will reset all permissions, application data, and can unlock removal.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Update MIUI — sometimes in newer versions of firmware, Xiaomi allows you to remove previously blocked applications. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Install custom firmware — for example, Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS. These firmware often go without bloat and allow you to remove system programs.
• 🛠️ Contacting the service center – if the problem is caused by a virus or hardware failure, specialists can help without risking data loss.
• 🔒 Freeze through Titanium Backup – if deletion is not possible, you can “freeze” the application (stop it without physically deleting it).

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Before installing custom firmware, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. Without this step, you will not be able to flash an alternative MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi